National DNA Day 2025: Understanding Genetics and Pancreatic Cancer

DNA is the instruction manual for our bodies, with genes acting as individual pages carrying the code for everything from eye colour to how we fight disease. We inherit two copies of every gene, one from each parent and while many genetic differences are harmless, some can raise the risk of diseases like cancer.

The Genetic Link to Pancreatic Cancer

Some of these genes are known as tumour suppressor genes and their function is to protect us from cancer. If these cells are not working properly, cells can grow uncontrollably and cause cancer. If these variants are passed onto offspring, then they may have an increased chance of developing pancreatic cancer.

This is known as familial pancreatic cancer. This is pancreatic cancer that runs in families. It is very rare, only affecting between 5-10% of cases. Most cases of pancreatic cancer occur unexpectedly with no family history of the disease. Indicators of familial pancreatic cancer are:

• Families with two or more first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, offspring) with pancreatic cancer.
• Families with three or more relatives with pancreatic cancer.
• Families with an associated cancer syndrome and at least one case of pancreatic cancer. This includes families with gene variations.
• Families where there is an individual diagnosed with pancreatic cancer very young (under 60 years of age).

Another inherited risk of pancreatic cancer is if an individual has hereditary pancreatitis (often with a PRSS1 gene variation).

How EUROPAC Supports At-Risk Individuals

The European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatitis and Familial Pancreatic Cancer (EUROPAC) is an internationally renowned academic, collaborative study involving pancreas specialists from the University of Liverpool and across Europe in addressing global health issues of pancreatic diseases, which present some of the most critical of unmet clinical needs.

EUROPAC recruit people with a family history of pancreatic cancer and people who have been diagnosed with hereditary pancreatitis. They offer secondary pancreatic cancer screening to those who are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

You will be asked to complete a detailed personal and family history questionnaire, and the team will assess your pancreatic risk based on this. Should you be eligible for screening, EUROPAC will normally start this at the age of 40 (though may start screening prior to this in certain circumstances).

If you think this is something you could participate in, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• You have a family history of pancreatic cancer (typically 2 or more affected close relatives on the same side of your family).
• You have a variation in a gene known to increase your risk of pancreatic cancer and have at least one case of pancreatic cancer in the family.
• You have been diagnosed with Peutz-Jegher syndrome or hereditary pancreatitis.

Know the Symptoms

On National DNA Day, we celebrate this research project among many others that aim to improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients and their families. By highlighting the link between genetics and pancreatic cancer, we are encouraging those at risk to stay vigilant to the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and to visit their GP if they’re concerned.

The symptoms include:

• Jaundice – yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, and/or very itchy skin.
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort – which may radiate to the back.
• Mid back pain or discomfort – where a bra strap would sit and may be eased by leaning forward.
• Loss of appetite – not feeling like eating.
• Indigestion – not responding to medication.
• Nausea and vomiting – feeling and being sick.
• New onset diabetes – not associated with weight gain.
• Fatigue – feeling tired.
• Change in bowel habit – a change in the way you poo.
• Unexplained weight loss – weight loss without trying.

💜 If you or a loved one are at increased risk and notice symptoms, speak to your GP as soon as possible

We have recently produced a brand new PIF TICK-accredited health information booklet explaining the role of genetics in pancreatic cancer. You can read or download it from the link below.